NASCAR Driver Kyle Larson Suspended For Use Of N-Word During Virtual Race

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson was suspended indefinitely on Monday by NASCAR and his team, Chip Ganassi Racing, for using a racial slur during a virtual race hosted by iRacing.

The 27-year-old supposedly lost connection in his headset and was having trouble hearing his “spotter” before asking, “You can’t hear me?” Under the impression he wasn’t being heard by other users, Larson decided to utter the N-word. Other drivers participating in the virtual race were apparently shocked as one person responded, “Kyle, your talking to everyone, bud.”

The Chip Ganassi Racing team released a statement Monday expressing their disgust with Larson’s actions. “We are extremely disappointed by what Kyle said last night during an iRacing Event. The words that he chose to use are offensive and unacceptable,” the statement said. “As of this moment we are suspending Kyle without pay while we work through this situation with all appropriate parties.”

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Larson posted an apology video on his Twitter account Monday (below).

 

“NASCAR has made diversity and inclusion a priority and will not tolerate the type of language used by Kyle Larson during Sunday’s iRacing event,” NASCAR said in a statement. “Our Member Conduct Guidelines are clear in this regard, and we will enforce these guidelines to maintain an inclusive environment for our entire industry and fan base.”

Ironically, Larson is half Japanese and was previously involved in NASCAR’s “Drive for Diversity” program. He acknowledges in the video that the the “damage is probably unrepairable and I own up to that.” Even if he is truly sorry, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of his sponsors including McDonald’s, Credit One Bank and Cheverolet, decides to cut ties with him.